The 2007 C&D Xiamen International Marathon will attract a record 24,500 participants from home and abroad on Saturday, taking a step further to become one of the most popular marathon events in the world.

According to the organizing committee, professional runners and amateurs from 48 countries and regions have registered to run in the fifth Xiamen marathon, among whom the youngest runner is 13 and the oldest is 90.

"The rapid development of the Xiamen Marathon is amazing. I have made three wishes for this year's tournament: there will be a new record set; all the participants will enjoy the sport and the city; and the weather will be fine," said Hiroaki Chosa, president of Association of International Marathons and Road Races.

There will be eight race categories, including the men's and women's marathon (42.195km), the half marathon, a 10km race and a 5km race. The men's and women's marathon will also serve as the National Marathon Championships, which will involve 131 athletes competing for the national title.

When asked to compare the Xiamen Marathon with the more prestigious ones in London, New York and Boston, Hiroaki said it is only a matter of time before Xiamen catches up.

In Xiamen, only 4,470 out of all of the 24,548 who have registered will compete in the full-distance race.

Star runners from Kenya and Ethiopia are still the main title contenders, including Kenya's Kiptum Pred Kiprop, Raymond Kipkoech, 2005 Beijing International Marathon champion, and Usisivu Boniface Muia, as well as Werdofa Fikadu Degefu from Ethiopia, all of whom who have a best personal time of around 2:07.

Local fans will be able to cheer on defending women's champion Sun Weiwei.

(Xinhua News Agency March 31, 2007)